9.3.9 "The Synergy of Unity"

"The Synergy of Unity"

Ecclesiastes 4:1 - 6:12
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7
Psalm 47:1-9
Proverbs 22:16

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 "Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better. If one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when his is alone, he's in trouble. Also, on a cold night, two under the same blanket gain warmth from each other, but how can one be warm alone? And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken."

This is a familiar portion of scripture. We've heard the stories of the draft horses and how they can carry a bazzillion tons when working in the synergy of unity. This is so true in the body of Christ. As we combine our focus into the vision Christ has for us, we cease to be a church trying to survive, and become a church that can change the world.

This principle also applies in the relationship of husband and wife. Whether or not you are married, I think it's as important that you hear this as much as anyone.

Have you ever felt the Lord leading you to do something that did not sit well with your spouse? A great vision, dream, decision? You're certain that when you "come down from the mountain" with this new plan or idea, your spouse is going to say, "Yes! let's go for it!" and great things will happen! I have a feeling that's RARELY how it turns out. Usually, the spouse finds a hole in the plan, a reason it wont work, or the worst feeling in the world, laughs it off because, "Honey, there's no way YOU could accomplish THAT!"

This is a common occurrence. Why?

A friend of mine was the pastor of a church who felt a call to the mission field, but his wife wasn't open to the idea AT ALL! Now what? The message this pastor shared was, "You can't live like Paul unless you stay like Paul." In other words, When you are married, you can't just say "God told me to do this & jump ahead and do it", unless your spouse is on the same page. He waited until the Lord moved on his wife's heart, and they moved ahead with one heart. .

God has put your marriage together with purpose. There is an authority structure and a responsibility structure within this relationship that He has ordained. We cannot operate to our potential outside this structure.

Lisa & I have not always been on the same page. I am a dreamer, she keeps us fed and in clean clothes. There is great potential for conflict in this area. There is also an incredible potential to change the world. Marriage is a growing process. As the "two become one", there is a process of melding perspectives and backgrounds and spiritual history. All this can be somewhat uncomfortable at times, but it is all part of discovering and becoming who God has created you to be. God gave your spouse to you so you can be complete. He gave your spouse a perspective that you have been greatly lacking in your life. He wants to use you to your full potential, and this occurs through the complementary gifts of your spouse.

There were times that I was moving ahead with what I knew God wanted me to do without waiting for Him to complete his work in Lisa. Those were difficult times. She felt unloved, I felt unsupported. Once I learned to wait for her to come to understanding, or for God to change me, incredible things happened. Many times during that "waiting" process, God refined the vision, filled the holes that were lacking, and purified my motives.

Marriage is not put in place for "survival". It is there for impact. God wants to change the world through you and your spouse. You could be in either position in this. You could be the one with the big dream, and are discouraged because of lack of support, or you could be the one feeling that the dream is insane. The main point is that you must be committed to each other more than anything. Understand this process. God is COMPLETING His work in both of you through this.

Our lives have gone through some incredible seasons. In times that we have never been busier, never had more stress, more pressure, more responsibility, more challenges, more at stake... They have been some of the most fulfilling times. In times of transition and family crisis, we've helped each other balance the emotion and responsibility. One thing keeps us feeling like nothing is impossible: Knowing we are doing EXACTLY what God is calling us to do!

I am so thankful of what God has done in my life through Lisa. She has taken the dreams God has given me and made them happen. She has challenged me, cautioned me, encouraged me, supported me, scolded me and through it all refined me. (I know I'm still quite "unrefined", so she has job security!) Every morning I read the word and send out DEVOs. She equips me to do this. It's a part of OUR life, not a part of mine. I didn't even commit to writing them four years ago until she agreed.

There is a "Synergy of Unity" that needs to happen in every marriage. It doesn't come without working for it. It doesn't happen without allowing God to work in you and through you. Live in unity with your mate!

If you are reading this and you are single, this message is still for you. Not only are these principles especially important for you to understand if you are heading into a relationship, but there are people all around you who have an incorrect perspective and they are wasting their lives ignoring the potential that is available. Let God apply this same synergy of unity to your heart, and bring this encouragement to those in your world.



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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